Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) fends off Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) and free safety Andre Hal (29) after making a reception in the first half in their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. The Panthers led 17-10 at halftime. David T. Foster IIIdtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) fends off Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) and free safety Andre Hal (29) after making a reception in the first half in their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. The Panthers led 17-10 at halftime. David T. Foster IIIdtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Social media buzzes about Steve Smith, Christian McCaffrey, more during Panthers-Texans NFL exhibition

Kelvin Benjamin caught a touchdown. The Panthers offense moved the ball, with more than 200 yards of offense in the first half alone. And Christian McCaffrey (who was trending on Twitter all night) showed why everybody who saw him in camp has been talking about him.

Here’s what social media had to say about Carolina’s first exhibition game against Houston Wednesday. The Panthers won 27-17.

The Stanford Star

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) looks around during warmups prior to playing the Houston Texans in their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. The Panthers led 17-10 at halftime.

David T. Foster III dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Be the first to know.

No one covers what is happening in our community better than we do. And with a digital subscription, you'll never miss a local story.

Smitty’s back

Former Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith shakes hands with running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) during warmups prior to playing the Houston Texans in their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. The Panthers led 17-10 at halftime.

David T. Foster III dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Former Panther Steve Smith drew some media attention (and hugs from Cam Newton) for his return to Bank of America stadium for Wednesday’s game. Smith was working for NFL Network. Before the game, Smith put out an interesting tweet pregame pictured with Panthers interim GM Marty Hurney.

Speaking of the former Clemson star, there’s been a lot of good reports from Texans’ camp about Watson’s play. And, sure enough, Watson had some good moments. At the end of the third quarter, for example, he led a long Texans’ touchdown drive and finished it with a 15-yard scramble.

The return of the Luke

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly obliges a fan's request to takes a photo with fans following practice Saturday at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.

Jeff Siner jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

While Newton didn’t play, Carolina’s other big star did. Linebacker Luke Kuechly got his first on-field action since that scary concussion he suffered against the Saints last year. Kuechly played two series and, sure enough, he laid a Luke Kuechly type hit on Texas running back Lamar Miller for a three-yard loss early.

The Webb-Byrd Connection

Carolina Panthers quarterback Joe Webb (14) drops back to pass during training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC on Tuesday, August 8, 2017.

David T. Foster III dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Panthers backup QB Joe Webb had some nice moments, including tossing two TD passes to Damiere Byrd. A Saints fan chimed on Twitter to drop a sarcastic, if not humorous, shot at Newton. But Webb got his fair share of Twitter-love.